Heavy rain, severe thunderstorms possible as monsoon continues

HEAVY rain and severe thunderstorms in the west of the Territory, including Darwin, are predicted as the monsoon continues and there is also a chance of hail, the BoM says

Severe thunderstorms could cause havoc across the Northern Territory today as monsoonal conditions continue.

There could be heavy rain in the western part of the Territory from Darwin to Yuendumu as the monsoon continues and a chance of hail in the southwest corner, the Bureau of Meteorology has said.

There was 76mm of rain recorded in the northern suburbs of Darwin in the 24 hours until 9am Tuesday, exceeding the BOM’s prediction of 10-35mm around the Top End’s capital for Monday.

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BOM spokeswoman Saskia Pickles, in a statement said the monsoon would continue.

“(On Tuesday) heavy rain with severe thunderstorms is possible in the western parts of the central districts, extending up to Darwin and as far south as above Yuendumu,” she said.

“In the southwest corner, there is a chance of damaging winds and hail greater than 2cm with thunderstorms.”

When an active #monsoon arrives the sky is filled with dark clouds, we see widespread #rain, #showers and #thunderstorms. These can last for a few days or even a week or more. Learn more about the Australian monsoon in our blog and video at https://t.co/x0vmpjFREv pic.twitter.com/GNj8bd76tC

— Bureau of Meteorology, Northern Territory (@BOM_NT) January 20, 2020

Rainfall comes as a relief to Territorians who otherwise have endured a long build up to the welcome rain, with Pirlangimpi on Melville Island receiving a significant downpour of 63.8mm.

“We are currently experiencing the driest wet season to date, having recorded 350mm of rain so far compared to 723mm expected by this time of year in an average wet season (using Darwin Airport as the main observation point),” Ms Pickles said.

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“In the past 24 hours even the Barkly received some much needed rain, with Tennant Creek recording 37mm.

“Down south, Mount Lloyd outside of Alice Springs recorded 29mm … 21mm fell at Sleisbeck, north of Katherine.

“Rain is set to continue this week for much of the north west Top End and parts of the central districts,” Ms Pickles said.

“Be aware, it may come as part of potentially severe thunderstorms.”